DHX Media wins CBBC commission for Henry Winkler's Hank Zipzer series

DHX Media and Walker Productions have won a commission from CBBC for Hank Zipzer, a new TV series inspired by the book series from Happy Days star Henry Winkler.

Published by Walker Books, Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Underachiever follows the adventures of Hank, a 12 year old boy with dyslexia, and was co-written by The Fonz actor and Lin Oliver.

Winkler will now star in the live action comedy drama series that uses vibrant animation to portray the imagination of Hank which airs on the children's channel early new year.

CBBC Drama's executive producer, independents, Sue Nott, said: "The stories are inspired by the true life experiences of Henry Winkler and how he felt growing up with dyslexia.

"At CBBC we try to reflect the lives of children back at them and Hank Zipzer shows that achievement comes in all shapes and sizes, and it's set to be very funny too."

Steven DeNure, president and COO at DHX Media, added: "There is a wealth of creative talent behind this show, our first collaboration with Walker Productions and Kindle entertainment, and this promises to bring Henry's vision to the screen in all its comedic glory.

Based on the hit Mattel toy brand, the new Polly Pocket series follows Polly and her friends as they embark on big scale adventures in their shrunken size. Produced by Mattel and DHX Media, the animated series premiered in Canada this July.